Garlic Cilantro Cauliflower Rice (Light, Flavorful & Low-Carb!)

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If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy alternative to traditional rice, this Garlic Cilantro Cauliflower Rice is a game-changer! Packed with aromatic garlic, bright cilantro, and a zesty squeeze of lime, this dish is light, low-carb, and bursting with flavor.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, tacos, or even as a base for burrito bowls or stir-fries. Plus, it comes together in under 15 minutes, making it the perfect quick side dish for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Even if you’re not usually a fan of cauliflower, I promise this version will win you over—it’s fluffy, fragrant, and packed with bold flavors that make every bite delicious!

Check out our 15 Rice and Grain-Based Recipes You’ll Love post for inspiration on similar flavor profile side dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – The perfect healthy alternative to rice.
✅ Fast & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep!
✅ Bright & Fresh – Garlic + cilantro + lime = a flavor explosion.
✅ Versatile – Serve as a side dish or base for tacos, bowls, and stir-fries.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Stays fresh and reheats beautifully!

📝 Ingredients

🔹 1 head of cauliflower, grated or riced (or 4 cups store-bought cauliflower rice)
🔹 2 tablespoons olive oil
🔹 4 cloves garlic, minced
🔹 ½ teaspoon salt
🔹 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🔹 ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
🔹 Juice of 1 lime

🍋 Want an extra citrusy kick? Add a little lime zest for even more brightness!

📌 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cauliflower

✔️ Remove the leaves and core from the cauliflower.
✔️ Grate it using a box grater or pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. (If using store-bought riced cauliflower, skip this step!)

2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic

✔️ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
✔️ Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. (This brings out the rich, aromatic garlic flavor!)

3️⃣ Cook the Cauliflower Rice

✔️ Stir in the riced cauliflower and season with salt and black pepper.
✔️ Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy. (It should be light and fluffy!)

4️⃣ Add the Cilantro & Lime

✔️ Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice.
✔️ Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

✔️ Serve warm as a side dish or as a base for tacos, grilled meats, or stir-fries.

🍽️ For an extra boost of flavor, top with sliced avocado, crumbled feta, or toasted nuts!

🌿 Tips & Variations

✅ Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for heat.
✅ Go nutty – Stir in toasted almonds or cashews for extra crunch.
✅ Turn it into a meal – Toss in grilled shrimp, chicken, or black beans for a protein boost.
✅ Make it creamy – Mix in ½ cup coconut milk for a tropical twist!

🛍️ Storage & Reheating

🧊 To Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat – Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
❄️ To Freeze – Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.

🌟 Tried This Recipe?

Let me know how you liked it in the comments below! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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